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  The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives, on Monday, began a full-scale probe into the alleged mismanagement of COVID-19 intervention funds from 2020 to 2023 as mandated by the House at the plenary session. Addressing the opening session, the Chairman of the Committee, Bamidele Salam (PDP-OSUN), warned that the committee would not entertain delay tactics from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies by way of asking for an extension of time. “The committee is probing over 60 MDAs over several billions of naira in intervention funds allocated to them during the COVID-19 pandemic and we have given them enough time to prepare for this exercise,” he said. “The committee will not entertain any extension of time from any of the MDAs. The committee is not after any individual or groups, we are going to be diligent in carrying out our assignment.” Advertisement Salam urged the Accountant General of the Federation, whose office he argued is crucial to the assignment

  As part of his readiness to compliment the efforts of Governor Seyi Makinde, the deputy governor of Oyo state, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal on Monday inspected ministries assigned to his office including Housing Corporation. Lawal, who began the inspection early in the morning, was first on a visit to the state’s Cultural centre at Mokola, where moribund facilities were inspected as well as the ministries of Establishments and Training; Special Duties including Simeon Adebo that lasted for more than 3 hours.  Addressing newsmen after the inspection, the deputy governor hinted that the inspection is to know the state of affairs regarding each ministry along with the Housing Corporation and how the government can step in as the Makinde administration has a lot to do with the level of neglect by previous administration.  Barr. Lawal emphasised that the Cultural Centre is in a deplorable state because it has been abandoned since 2007 and that no changes have been made to the stru

  Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has summoned heads of aviation agencies in the country over recurring safety issues in the industry. Keyamo will meet the aviation agencies’ bosses on Monday in Abuja, according to a statement by the ministry. ADVERTISEMENT The agencies include the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the Federal Airport Authority Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The minister will meet with them “to discuss the recent accidents in the sector and will thereafter brief the press on the outcome of the deliberation to avert such occurrences”. On Sunday, there was drama on Flight NUA 0504 from the Lagos airport on Sunday when some Abuja-bound passengers were flown to Asaba airport. Advertisement The cabin crew, upon landing in Asaba, told the passengers that they had arrived at Abuja airport, creating confusion among the passengers. The airline later blamed “

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Oluyole may have solidified a vantage position as Oyo state prepares ahead of the coming 2024 local government with the gale of endorsements and open declaration of support from residents of the Council. This was as different stakeholders in Oluyole Local Government including Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED), Nigerian Coaches Association, Oluyole chapter, all declared support for Olatunji chairmanship candidature. Advertisement The declaration of support and public endorsement of Olatunji by the various stakeholders followed the soaring acceptance and political reputation in Oluyole Local Government, westernmirror.com.ng has gathered. NAPPMED, Idi-ayunre chapter is the umbrella body of all registered parent medicine dealers comprising five Wards: Wards 2, 5, 8, 9 and 10. This online newspaper reports. Chief (Mrs) Fatimah Odunpade, who led the leadership of NAPPMED at the endorsement ceremony yesterday describ

  United States President Joe Biden said on Sunday he hoped to see the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas extended. “That’s my goal, that’s our goal, to keep this pause going beyond tomorrow so that we can continue to see more hostages come out and surge more humanitarian relief into those in need in Gaza,” AFP quoted the US president as saying in a media address. Advertisement The three-day-old truce “is delivering live-saving results,” Biden added, stressing, “Critically needed aid is going in, and hostages are coming out.” Biden’s comments came as Hamas militants released a third group of hostages including a four-year-old American girl on Sunday with more Palestinian prisoners set to be freed in exchange.               This is also as a source close to Hamas said the group was willing to prolong a truce. The exchanges under a four-day ceasefire that started Friday have been the first relief for captives’ families since the militant group attacked Israel on October 7, prompting deva

The President/Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has said that the $20bn Dangote refinery in Lekki, Lagos would start with the refining of 350,000 barrels per day of crude oil. Dangote, who disclosed this during an interview with the Financial Times, also stated that the refinery would receive about six million barrels of crude in December 2023. “We’re starting with 350,000 barrels a day, “Dangote told the Financial Times, adding that a deal had already been clinched for the “first cargo of about 6mn barrels” for delivery next month. Dangote said he believed the refinery could reach its capacity of 650,000 barrels a day by the end of 2024, although the IMF has said it doubts it will reach more than a third of that by 2025. At full tilt, the refinery, the world’s largest “single train” facility with just one distillation unit, could save Nigeria billions in foreign exchange currently spent on imported fuel. It was “shameful”, Dangote said, that Nigeria, a major oil p

  Recap Of Governor Seyi Makinde's Activities In The Last Three Weeks, Showcasing Unprecedented Commitment to Oyo State's Progress and Well-being Compiled By Asiwaju YSO Oládùnńi, A Member of the GSM ADVOCATES Source of Information: The Chief Press Secretary To The Governor, Pst Olanrewaju Sulaiman In three weeks filled with dynamic engagements and impactful decisions, Governor Seyi Makinde demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the welfare, diplomacy, and development of Oyo State. From addressing labor challenges to participating in high-level diplomatic events and overseeing crucial developmental projects, the governor's activities have underscored his dedication to the progress and prosperity of the state. 1. Prioritizing Welfare: On November 6, Governor Seyi Makinde addressed the challenges faced by workers and pensioners in Oyo State. In response to the hardships caused by subsidy removal, he announced a wage award of N25,000 for workers and N15,000 for pensioners o

  The armed wing of Hamas said Saturday it had handed over 13 Israeli hostages to the Red Cross under the terms of an agreement with Israel, along with an additional seven foreign citizens. Advertisement The transfer – which had been delayed after Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement, claims denied by Israeli officials – took place “in the context of the humanitarian pause”, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement. Advertisement

  As the months-long crisis between factions loyal to the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and his Deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, seems to have ended, the Presidency has declared that Akeredolu remains the governor of the state. Advertisement This was according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, on Saturday. The clarification came amidst reports that President Bola Tinubu may have ordered the state lawmakers to invoke the doctrine of necessity and declare Ayedatiwa the acting governor. Saturday PUNCH earlier reported that the deputy governor, lawmakers, and others involved embraced peace and vowed to maintain the status quo, after hours of deliberations between the President and state officials, including members of the All Progressives Congress, who converged on the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja, until late on Friday night. Advertisement The statement read, “In his bid to restore political stability in On

  Advertisement Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court Abuja has dismissed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC)’s motion seeking an order setting aside its judgement restraining the commission from imposing fines on broadcast stations in the country. Delivering Judgement, Justice Omotosho dismissed all the grounds put forward by the NBC, describing same as an afterthought. Justice Omotosho held that despite being served with the originating process and hearing notices in the case leading to the judgment, the commission failed to file its defence. The judge said contrary to the NBC’s argument that it was not served with court processes that led to the judgement, the court file showed that services were effected on NBC but failed to file and refused to entered appearance. Advertisement He said there was affidavit of facts deposed to by the court bailif that confirmed that court processes were served on the commission on different occasions. “The respondent applicant canno

  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disclosed plans to increase the capital base of banks in the country.          Advertisement In his speech at the 2023 Bankers’ Dinner on Friday, CBN Governor Dr Olayemi Cardoso said while there has been stability in the banking sector, banks in the country were not adequately capitalised to meet the need of a $1 trillion economy which the present government was aiming to achieve. Advertisement “Will Nigerian banks have sufficient capital relative to the finance system’s needs in servicing a one trillion dollar economy in the near future? In my opinion, the answer is no, unless we take action,” he said. “Therefore, we must make tough decisions regarding capital adequacy. As a first step, the Central Bank will be directing banks to increase their capital.” The CBN czar also stressed the importance of technology in delivering financial services as well as enhancing financial inclusion. He also spoke on financial institutions that have breached thei

  The remains of the former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, have been laid to rest. The burial ceremony, which was held in his country home, Uli, in the Ihala Local Government Area of the State, was the culmination of three-day-long state funeral activities for the first Executive Governor of the State in the fourth republic. Advertisement In a moving and solemn ceremony, the former governor was laid to rest after an inter-denominational burial service held in his honour. The ceremony was attended by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, family members, friends, and former colleagues of the former governor. A police parade led the body of Dr Mbadinuju into the arena, followed by a bible reading by the family. Advertisement In his eulogy, Governor Soludo said that Governor Mbadinuju lived an impactful life, described him as a giant, and appreciated him for all the great strides he bequeathed to his predecessors. The governor assured to sustain the positive legacies of the former

  In a commendable move aimed at fostering a harmonious working relationship and preventing political crises, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State made the astute decision to appoint a trusted individual, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, as the Deputy Governor. This strategic move has not only prevented conflicts but has also put Oyo State on the map for the positive and peaceful coexistence between the governor and his deputy. Since assuming office, Deputy Governor Barr. Bayo Lawal has displayed unwavering loyalty, making him one of the most devoted deputy governors in recent times. The impact of Governor Seyi Makinde's decision is palpable in the state, with Oyo experiencing a more conducive atmosphere devoid of suspicion and instability. The cordial relationship between Governor Makinde and Deputy Governor Lawal has led to significant progress, showcasing that the right choice was made in selecting Barr. Bayo Lawal as the deputy governor. To further emphasize the importance of th

The good people of Sooro local council development area, Oke-Isunwin, Oyo, Oyo State were in an excited mood today as the Council administrator, Hon. Oguntona Seun Olunloyo Flag-off Housing Scheme, as part of infrastructural development at the grassroots level. The event which features all Oyomesi-in-council led by Basorun of Oyo land, High Chief Yusuff Akinade Layinka 1, the Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Akindele Oyedepo, Akiniku of Oyo High Chief Amusa Yusuff, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau Alapo of Oke Apo and Chief Wahab Oyetunji Aare-ago Basorun of Oyo. Others are; Alago-oja of Ago-Oja land, Oba Alh. Abdul Ganiyu Busari Ajiboye, all Alago-oja in council, and several others. The newly flag-off housing scheme stands on 25 hectares located opposite Oyo-ogbomoso expressway, Ijawaya, Oyo township. In his address during the flag-off, Hon Seun Oguntona Olunloyo underscored the essence of creating a Housing scheme which often comes with a steep price tag that precludes building housing afford

  Advertisement The Central Council of Ibadan Indigiens (CCII) has said Ibadan liberalism should not be take for granted, urging Princess Folashade Abeo to stop faning disunity. They said descriminatrory statement against Ibadanland over the tussle of the post of Iyaloja-General of Oyo State would not materialised. They said the body stand by merit, competence, due process and level playing ground for all contenders. CCII said as a peace loving socio cultural organisation, it had played a neutral role by interacting with the two contenders with a view to ensuring that peace reigns in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. A statement by CCII President-general, Barr. Niyi Ajewole, stated that CCII would not close her eyes, while some people are fanning the ember of animosity that would disrupt the pleasant atmosphere of peace that Ibadan and Oyo State is enjoying. CCII condernmed descriminatory statement against Ibadanland by Folashade Abeo, saying Ibadan liberalism should not be

  The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Haliru Nababa, to investigate an allegation against personnel of the service. Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, had accused some NCoS personnel of conniving with inmates to finance the operations of terrorists. The CDS at the House of Representatives on Tuesday claimed that some arrested Boko Haram terrorists could plan operations out in the field and pass funds across. “The minister has called for a speedy investigation into the matter, noting that any officer culpable or complicit of sabotaging the Nigerian Correctional Facility, and by extension the security of the country, shall face the full wrath of the law,” a Thursday statement by his media aide, Alao Babatunde, read. “The minister also wishes to inform the public that actions are underway to reform the correctional service to match international standards where inmates would be truly

  The Senate, on Wednesday, expressed concerns about the annual loss of $500 million to various forms of cybercrime across the federation. The Senate warned that if the national cybersecurity program were not effectively funded, the gains of the digital economy would be defeated. Consequently, the upper chamber resolved to review and amend the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2015 to end the exploitation of Nigeria’s digital space by cybercriminals and individuals with misguided intentions. The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, expressed these concerns on Wednesday at the inauguration of a public hearing on the 2023 Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, at the Senate Complex in Abuja. Advertisement The inauguration was at the instance of the Chairman Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu; the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Senator Shehu Buba Umar, and all me

  Advertisement The Oyo State Government has issued a marching order to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state to immediately proceed to enrol with the Oyo State Residents’ Registration Scheme before 31 December, 2023. Governor of the state, ‘Seyi Makinde, made this clear on Wednesday, shortly after the state’s Security Council Meeting. The governor noted that the state has decided to address the menace associated with commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, with a view to further securing the state. He added that from the 1st of January, 2024, no unregistered motorcycle or tricycle operator would be allowed to operate in the state. Governor Makinde declared that all commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders must ensure that they are captured under the state’s registration scheme, with their biometrics, including their names, motorcycle registration number, next of kin and other critical information captured in the scheme. He equally said that all operators wi

           Advertisement In line with the promise of the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, to assign Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government to be supervised by the state’s Deputy Governor, Barr Bayo Lawal, the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, Establishments and Training and Special Duties will now be overseen by the Office of the Deputy Governor. This decision was taken at the State’s Treasury Board Meeting held on Wednesday.                      Advertisement The Deputy Governor is expected to oversee the Ministry of Establishments and Training with a view to structuring the gratuity payments. Barr Lawal is also to guide the newly-established Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which was carved out of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to drive Governor Makinde’s vision of expanding the economy of the state through tourism. Lawal, who was until his selection as Deputy Governor and running mate to the governor, the chairman